Fattal Group will remain a shareholder with a 49% stake. The acquisition is part of a consolidation strategy by Saradar Capital Holding to build an integrated financial services platform under the Saradar Finance House label. The platform covers banking and microfinance, insurance, money transfer, microfinance, asset and wealth management in Lebanon and abroad.

Assurex is a top tier Lebanese insurance and reinsurance company with underwriting - amongst others - in health, motor and property. Assurex issued over 100,000 policies for total gross written premiums of over USD40 million in 2018.

"We have worked over the past four decades to build a solid and reputable business,” states Hubert Fattal, Chairman and CEO of Fattal Group, “and we are extremely excited about partnering up with Saradar Finance House to deliver a common vision and expansion strategy for Assurex"

The acquisition of Assurex represents an opportunity for Saradar Finance House to consolidate its portfolio of financial services by gaining further access into the Lebanese insurance market. By combining Assurex" strong underwriting capabilities and rigorous risk management policies with Saradar" digital distribution channels and solid banking presence, Saradar Finance House is poised to assemble the building blocks of a successful integrated insurance platform. Assurex will continue to operate under its own name.

"This acquisition and partnership with the Fattal Group comes at a strategic time during the expansion of Saradar Finance House”, comments Group Chairman and CEO Mario Saradar, "as it provides opportunities to spearhead our expansion into the insurance sector through new products and services, and an extended geographical footprint. Furthermore, we believe in the strategic fit between Saradar Finance House and Fattal Group as we share a common set of core values and a similar ambition to consolidate and grow our presence in the insurance sector".